Area libraries host Recovery Month events

September is National Recovery Month and five Hamilton County libraries are partnering with Power Up YOUth to help raise awareness on mental health, substance abuse and recovery.

Power Up YOUth will be presenting several different movies, events and discussions focused on those topics at the libraries in Webster City, Williams, Jewell, Stratford and Ellsworth throughout the month.

“The events are designed to help inform the public on mental health issues and substance abuse problems,” said Kathy Getting, director of Power Up YOUth.

Educating the public on these issues help people understand that recovery is possible, said Getting.

These events are designed not only to educate but to also give people the tools to recognize behaviors and dispel misconceptions pertaining to mental health and substance abuse issues that may surface in their own lives.

The series begins at Webster City’s Kendall Young Library when the movie “Silver Linings Playbook” will be presented to adult patrons on Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.

Deb Rohlfs, clinical director at Central Iowa Recovery and a former substance abuse counselor at Community and Family Resources will contribute to the discussion following the movie.

Williams’ middle school and high school students are invited to attend the movie, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” at the Williams Public Library on Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. Pizza will follow the movie. Leading a discussion will be SusanSchmitz, ISU Extension Outreach director in Hamilton County and a parent of children with autism.

The Ellsworth Community Library will present “Canvas,” a movie about schizophrenia on Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. Popcorn and beverage will be served.

The Stratford Community Library has designated the last week of September as Kindness Week.

Beginning in the afternoon on Sept. 23, children can pick up a participation sheet at the library. During the week, they will be asked to note their acts of kindness. Then on Sept. 27, they can stop by

the library to pick up a “Continue to let your light shine” glo-stick. Also on Sept. 27 after school, children will be read the book “Sneeches” by Dr. Seuss. The book highlights the idea that people can be

alike while being different.

The students will participate in an edible art project by designing two cookies – one to eat and one to share. They will also be designing placemats for Stratford Meals on Wheels participants.

The Montgomery Memorial Library in Jewell will host a book review of “Running with Scissors” by Augusten Burroughs. Patrons are asked to read the book prior to the event and then participate in the discussion to be held on Oct. 9 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.